Common sense urged while waiting for spring

OHV users urged to check trail conditions and restrictions

With warm weather on the way, many off-highway vehicle
riders are anxious to hit the trails. But because state forest roads and
trails are typically wet during the spring, the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources will need to temporarily close some areas.

These closures will come soon if the warm weather continues.
The DNR asks riders to check on trail conditions and temporary closures
before planning riding trips.

"Spring is hard on trails," said Tim Browning,
DNR Trails and Waterways regional manager in Brainerd. "The spring
thaw leads to soft soils, which may be susceptible to damage. We expect
temporary closings to begin within the next couple of weeks," he said.
"Even though the DNR will temporarily close some roads and trails,
we also want to give riders as many riding opportunities as possible, and
provide a convenient way users can check on which roads and trails are
still open.

"We urge riders to check with the DNR about trail
conditions and temporary closings," Browning said.

The DNR will post signs at entry points and at parking
lots in state forests.

Road and trail closing information will be updated weekly.
Closures, which depend on the local precipitation and soil conditions,
will be on a forest-by-forest basis. Generally, all roads and trails in
a particular forest will be closed. However, within some forests there
may be roads and trails that can handle OHV traffic and they will remain
open. The DNR web site will also list open roads and trails.

"The DNR will work to let users know when and where
they can ride," Browning said. "We will lift road and trail closures
as soon as possible. In turn, we ask users to check before riding to avoid
areas that are temporarily closed, and to ride responsibly wherever they
are."

DNR also reminds riders that Minnesota law prohibits ditch
riding south of the agriculture line between April 1 and Aug. 1. The agricultural
line runs roughly from

Burning restrictions coming soon, so clean up now

From the DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other
wildfire agencies are gearing up for an active spring fire season.

Below average snowfall this winter and the prediction
for a dry spring have these agencies concerned. Snow cover statewide is
well below the averages for this time of year. Due to these conditions,
restrictions on burning permits will be imposed in the northern two-thirds
of the state within one to two weeks after snow cover has melted.

Property owners are encouraged to dispose of their brush
piles and other yard waste now, said Olin Phillips, DNR State Fire Section
manager.

"Chipping, composting, and leaving small piles far
from buildings for wildlife habitat are preferred alternatives to burning,"
Philips said. "Property owners who must burn their vegetative debris
will need to use extreme caution and get a burning permit until restrictions
are implemented."

Since April and May are the most active months for fires
in Minnesota, the DNR has been imposing restrictions that do not allow
for the issuing of burning permits.

"During this period, the DNR responds to approximately
1,200 fires," Phillips said. "However, restrictions were initiated
five years ago and fires during the restriction period have been reduced
by 35 to 40 percent statewide. Also, since 99 percent of wildland fires
are human caused, restricting burning permits is an excellent way of controlling
fire starts and the costs associated with them."

The following firewise tips can help property owners protect
their homes from wildfire loss:

· chip or compost vegetative debris piles

· remove leaves, branches, and other debris from
roofs and gutters, which are places that burning embers from a wildlife
can ignite a home

· rake up the leaves and debris from around the
foundation, especially in planting areas

· move woodpiles, lumber, or other burnable debris
at least 30 feet from any buildings.

HL Sportsmen's Club hosts gun training Tuesday

Howard Lake Sportsmen's Club will host gun training at
the community center above the public library tonight, Tuesday, March 25,
and Monday, March 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

More sessions will be scheduled in April.

For more information, call Ken Durdahl at (320) 543-3372.

Winsted Sportsmen's Club hog roast planned

Winsted Sportsmen's Club will host a winter hog roast
Saturday, April 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Winsted Legion Club.

The roast will also include a euchre tournament, membership
drive, meat raffle, and a band beginning at 8 p.m.

Outdoor notes

­ Please remember that no ice, especially ice at this
time of year, is ever completely safe. The warm weather and rain fall we
have received in the past few weeks has created varied and potentially
dangerous ice conditions on lakes and small ponds in our area.

The smaller the body of water, the faster the ice will
melt. Please be very cautious on any ice at this time.

­ New bag limits for pan fish take affect Saturday,
May 10, 2003, which is also the 2003 Minnesota fishing opener. Sunfish
limits will change from 30 to 20, and crappie limits will change from 15
to 10. New limits also take effect for lake trout and catfish.

­ Ducks have started to arrive in our area in big
numbers. In the past week I have seen big flocks of mallards, some redheads,
and a few large flocks of blue bills. The number of Canada geese in the
area is also growing as they arrive from winter feeding grounds further
south.

­ As the ice begins to melt, look for bald eagles
in our area. Bald eagles tend to follow the ice outline on their way north.
With some luck, we will have a few more nesting pairs stay in our area
this spring.

­ The Wright County Chapter of Pheasants Forever will
conduct its annual banquet Monday, April 7, at the Buffalo Civic Center.

­ Storing your winter clothing and equipment can be
a real chore.

Here a few tips:

Take the time to clean it, fix it and organize it before
you throw it in a box and set it in the shelf in the garage. Large plastic
bins work great for storing heavy winter clothing.

The new vacuum bag systems also work well. Sort your items
in clean dry places. Keep them out of sunlight.

Remove the gas from engines. On items with rubber tires,
like snowmobile trailers, keep the tires off cement. A few wood blocks
do the trick.

­ Take some time to get outside and enjoy spring.
Spring officially started Friday, March 21.